Play a Game With Me

by Cadence Vonn

“I have no idea. She claimed she wanted me to introduce her to the goldsmith who made her pin. Hopefully, her timing was coincidental. Hell, I don’t even know if I’m seeing Max this weekend. How are you doing? Are you having fun?”

  “I guess. I met a nice guy last night, but after we had spent some time together, there was no spark. I’m heading to a play tonight. If I don’t meet anyone there, I’ll just enjoy staying in my room, having a massage from some guy who is willing to please a man or a woman, and then I’ll get drunk.”

  She laughed. “You’re too much. I’ll talk to you soon. Be safe.”

  “You too. Make sure you’re meeting Max and not being whisked away by some pervert intent on kidnapping you.”

  “I promise not to talk to any strangers.” She laughed as she hung up. She stuffed her phone in her purse and tried to relax. It had to be Max. Who else would send her a ticket to Chicago? First class?

  She boarded the flight even though no one working for the airline could tell her who sent her the ticket. So far, she was safe surrounded by people. What could happen?

  “Ms. Medici?” The male attendant stood by her seat, looking down at her.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m to tell you that a driver will be waiting for you near the luggage claim area.”

  “Who left the message?”

  “I have no idea, ma’am.”

  “Thank you.”

  Tess reclined her seat and figured no one with kidnapping on their mind would leave messages that could eventually be traced. She tried to watch some show, but gave up and closed her eyes. The three-hour flight went by faster than she would have liked. Nervousness washed over her as she emerged from the gate area and walked toward the baggage claim zone. A distinguished man held a sign with her name on it, and she approached him.

  He gave her a brief smile and said, “May I take your luggage?”

  “Thank you. Where are we going?” she asked as they left the terminal.

  “I’ve been instructed to take you to the Peninsula Hotel.”

  Tess had heard of the hotel from her father. Its opulent look and service were legendary. No one out to kidnap her would spend money on a hotel of that caliber. It had to be Max.

  When they arrived, the driver handed her suitcase to the bellman outside, and the man gave her a gracious smile and led her into the foyer. “This way, miss.”

  She followed him into the elevator, trying not to appear nervous but rather like she had people waiting on her all the time. They rode to the top and made their way to one of the few doors on this level.

  “Here is your key, miss.” He slipped it into the lock, opened the door and stepped back. He held out the key to her.

  “Thank you.” She pulled her suitcase inside the brightly lit suite. A moment of panic rose up her throat when she saw a man in white pants and a skintight T-shirt standing in the center of the foyer area. His muscles rippled as he gave her a slight bow. Oh my, he was gorgeous. Why was he standing in her room?

  “Welcome, Ms. Medici. I’m Thomas. I’ve been asked to give you a massage after your travels. Please, this way.” He held his hand out, and she walked toward the door he pointed to. She glanced around the suite. It would hold three of her apartments. She slowed her step. A view of Lake Michigan, over the rail of the private terrace, filled the bank of French doors. She marveled at her opulent surroundings. Her father or mother would be right at home in this setting.

  She entered the next room and hesitated. The massage table stood near another set of windows, and she turned to glance at the rest of the room. Max sat in a chair in the corner and held his finger to his lips. She wanted to run to him and crawl into his lap and kiss the hell out of him, but this was another of his games. He relaxed in his chair and sipped what appeared to be a glass of scotch. Tess raised her eyebrow and continued to follow the masseur.

  “Ms. Medici, this is the bedroom.” He indicated a doorway. “There is a robe on the bed. Please take off your clothes and return here.”

  She nodded. Giddiness made her lightheaded. Max would watch Thomas caress her skin. She knew lots of couples got massages together, but this was different. Max would be the voyeur. Her heart pounded a loud rhythm that matched the grandfather clock striking seven in the other room. She freshened up in the bathroom then stripped down to her thong. Max could remove it if he wanted her nude. Wrapped in the big, fluffy robe, she reemerged into the living space. The sheers had been drawn on the window. Thomas smiled at her. Maybe he thought it would relax her, but it only added to the sense of her being the show.

  ****

  Max twirled the ice in his glass and let the scotch trickle down his throat. The alcohol helped ease the ache Tess created when she walked into the room. She seemed to understand his signal not to speak. He marveled at her willingness to indulge his fantasies. The sun caught the gold of her earring as she returned to the room and turned toward him. The bold look on her face indicated she wouldn’t be the one to stop the show. How long would she let this man touch her skin while he watched?

  Thomas took hold of the collar of her robe. “Please remove the robe and lie face down on the table.”

  Tess made eye contact with Max and untied the sash. She let Thomas remove the garment as if he unveiled a beautiful statue. She held Max’s gaze for a moment before she turned and crawled up on the table. She lowered her chest first, her luscious bottom lingered up in the air to be appreciated by him before she stretched out and relaxed against the table. Max almost told Thomas to leave, but he’d started this game and had a desire to see Tess’s skin glisten with oil. He rubbed the tips of his fingers together. The memory of the silky touch of her smooth back made him hard. Thomas pulled her hair up and clipped it away from her shoulders. Max sat forward when Tess’s eyes closed, and Thomas started to drizzle oil on her.

  Large hands spread the oil down over her slim waist and bottom before beginning at her shoulders. He worked his fingers into her tight muscles. The tension left Tess’s body as fingers kneaded her skin with skill. Maybe this had been a good idea. She seemed to be enjoying the massage.

  As Thomas’s fingers neared her lower back, Max took a swig of his scotch and moved to a chair closer to the table. The expression on her face changed, and her bottom lip quivered. Fuck, he wanted to hear her moan.

  Thomas’s hands worked up over each cheek, giving one and then the other a thorough massage. He continued down her legs, and she relaxed again. An angelic smile graced her face from the way her feet were being rubbed. Max would have to remember to rub her feet in the future.

  Thomas’s hands returned to her bottom, and Tess sucked in her lower lip.

  Max wanted to be the one to add more oil to her already slick skin, but he sat still enjoying the pink color spreading across her body. Thomas moved to the head of the table, his hands glided over the sides of her body, lingered to rub the exposed edges of her breasts before he kneaded the skin at the base of her neck. Max wasn’t sure he liked the bulge growing in Thomas’s pants.

  The man caressed her sides once more. He stretched out her arms and massaged her hands, one sexy finger at a time. When he was done, he again moved down her body to her bottom as if he couldn’t stay away. He started to work each cheek, dipped his fingers between her legs, and nudged the string of her thong. After the third dip against her inner thighs, Thomas took hold of her thong and pulled it down her legs. Tess tensed, and Max held his breath. Her eyes opened, and she couldn’t hide her surprise at how close he sat to her.

  He smiled when the thong hit the floor. Could she hear his heart pounding in his chest? Did she enjoy this other man’s hands? Muscles flexed in Thomas’s arms as his hands worked her bottom flesh. Long fingers dipped between her legs, surely feeling how wet she must be. He added more oil and rubbed it between her cheeks, from the front all the way back. She shivered. Max swallowed the last gulp of scotch and stood.

  “Turn over, Ms. Medici.” Thomas’ voice held a note of grit as if something caught in his t
hroat.

  Tess rose up on her elbows and looked over at Max. He gave her a devilish smile. “I’ll take it from here, Thomas.” He never took his eyes off her.

  A large smile lit up Tess’s face when she heard the door open and close behind her. She turned over on her back and let out a seductive sigh before she closed her eyes.

  More oil splashed over her breasts and down her abdomen. Max leaned down and swept his tongue through her mouth. “Did you enjoy the massage?”

  “It was very stimulating. Did you enjoy watching?”

  Max spread the oil down her body and over her clit. Ripples of excitement shook her body under his hand. “It was mesmerizing. Can you imagine your body all glistening and heated up with a sexual glow? I want to sink my cock deep inside you and have you come all over me.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  Max yanked off his pants and slipped on a condom. He pulled her off the side of the table and draped her across the padded surface, her breasts smashed against the sheet. With a press of a button the table lowered to the right height, and he plunged inside her.

  “Fuck me, Tess. I’ve thought about this for the last two weeks.” Slick oil from her body allowed him to pound into her with deep, penetrating strokes. “Squeeze your muscles. I want us to come together.”

  She clutched the side of the table and did as he asked. His hands worked her ass cheeks. The trail of oil led into the darkness of her buttocks, and she tensed, so close to her sensual peak. If he touched her there, she would explode.

  Max’s words filled the empty room. “Fuck, now Tess.” He pressed, and she erupted into a violent orgasm. She strangled his cock with her muscles, and they shattered together. He collapsed against her back, gasping to fill his lungs.

  “Magnificent.” He sighed against her back.

  “Mmm.”

  “I’ve missed you, Tess. I tried to concentrate on work, but visions of you kept popping into my mind. I’m afraid you’ll find someone else.”

  “Max, you consume my thoughts. I’m not looking for anyone else.”

  “I’m glad. Would you enjoy a hot bath or a shower?”

  “Is the tub big enough for two?”

  “Four, actually.”

  “Then I’d love a bath with you.”

  Max stood her up in front of his body and engulfed her in his arms. “Yet another way I want to have you over and over.”

  “You are one imaginative man.”

  “Did you enjoy being the show?”

  “It had its moments, but I prefer your hands.”

  He said nothing else and led her into the large bathroom, disposed of the condom and turned on the water. While the tub filled, he gathered her into his arms and hugged her close. “I’m glad you came.”

  “I’m glad you came too.” She gave him a saucy smile.

  Max laughed. “That isn’t what I meant, and you know it. I’m glad you flew to Chicago.”

  “Why the secrecy?”

  “Someone has been feeding my mother information. I didn’t want her to find out I was spending time in Chicago.” Max shrugged his shoulders. He turned off the water and held his hand out to help her into the tub.

  When they were both settled, her back to his chest, and she sat between his legs she said, “Your mother came to see me today.” His legs tensed next to her.

  “What did she want?”

  “She wanted to know who made the pin I gave her for her birthday. She apparently wants matching earrings. And since my suitcase sat next to me on the sidewalk, she asked where I was going.”

  “What did you tell her?”

  “I told her I was flying to Chicago to see Christopher.”

  “Christopher is in Chicago?”

  “Yes, thank God. I called him and warned him your mother might call him. He’ll keep our secret.”

  “Once again, I owe him.”

  “Would it be so bad if your mother found out about us? Then we could be seen in public. Wouldn’t you like that?”

  “I would love to be seen in public with you on my arm. We could spend time discovering museums and not worrying about being caught. I’ll figure out a way to tell my mother. I need to finish cleaning up the overseas mess, and then I’ll talk with her.”

  Tess turned over on her stomach and slid up his body so she could give him a deep kiss. When she finally lifted her head, she whispered, “I can’t wait for the world to know you’re mine.” Did she feel him tense?

  His arms wrapped around her. “Right.” He tightened his hold and kissed her with a hunger that chased all thoughts from her mind.

  ****

  Late that night, Tess rested her head on her arm and listened to Max’s even breathing. She slipped out of bed and put on the fluffy robe from this afternoon. So she wouldn’t wake Max, she tiptoed out to the other room and opened the terrace door in the living room. The moonlight washed over the water and the sleeping city. She leaned against the rail and inhaled the cool night air. Max’s reaction to her bathtub declaration troubled her. Maybe he didn’t want to be seen with her.

  It never dawned on her that he might be as opposed to making their relationship public as his mother. She rested her head on the rail. The metal’s warmth from the afternoon sun had dissipated into the night air. Christopher might be right, but the time to get over Max had long passed. She slumped onto the closest lounge chair and curled up in a ball. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she turned on her side so they would get lost in the sleeve of her robe.

  Max’s strong arms scooped her up and cradled her against his robe.

  “I’m not sure why you’re crying, but I have a feeling it has to do with us.” He carried her back into the suite and sat on the couch with her in his arms. “Tess, tell me what I’ve done wrong.”

  “Nothing,” she whispered, shaking from her silent tears, and he tightened his hold.

  “I promise to never let you go. I’ll work something out. For now, please be patient. I don’t want to lose you. You’re my world.”

  She looked up at his face and smiled through her tears. “And you’re mine, Max.”

  He cradled her in his arms and said, “Can I carry you back to bed?”

  She nodded, and he lifted her with ease and walked into the bedroom.

  “Tomorrow we’ll enjoy the sights of Chicago. Maybe we’ll even give Christopher a call and see if he wants to join us for dinner. What do you say?”

  “I think that would be wonderful. Sounds like a lovely day.”

  Chapter Nine

  Tess and Max enjoyed breakfast out on their terrace the next morning. “Let’s call Christopher,” Max suggested. Tess nodded and dialed his number.

  “What the hell, Tess. Where are you?” Christopher screamed into his phone when he answered.

  “I’m with Max.”

  “Damn it. I’ve been worried sick when you didn’t call all night.”

  “Oh God, Chris, I got sidetracked when I arrived at the hotel and forgot all about calling. Please forgive me.”

  He snorted. “Is that what they call ‘fucking’ these days?”

  “I really am sorry. Max and I were calling to see if you wanted to join us for dinner tonight.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, unless you found someone to enjoy Chicago with.”

  “Nah. I’m discovering I’m not as much of a bar person as I used to be. Dinner sounds great. Where and what time?”

  “We’ll pick you up at your hotel at six-thirty. Dress nice. Max is taking us to some fancy-schmancy restaurant.”

  “For you, beautiful, I’ll wear a tie. I’m glad you’re okay. By the way, Aunt Millicent called last night and inquired about your flight. She hoped you arrived safely. I told her you did and were down having a massage to relax.”

  Tess laughed. “Thanks. And you didn’t lie. I was having a delicious massage here at the hotel.” She stroked Max’s bare knee and smiled.

  “I don’t need the details. See you tonight.” Christopher hung
up, and she pressed the off button on Max’s phone.

  “Seems your mother called Christopher last night and asked about my flight. He told her I was having a massage.”

  “Why would my mother care about your flight? Damn it. So she knows I’m in Chicago.” Max ran his hand through his hair.

  “You did say she knows things she shouldn’t. What about a secretary?”

  “Shit. My mother found Elizabeth, the woman who is working with Anna, my executive assistant. Up until now, I was too preoccupied to wonder how my mother knew things she shouldn’t.” He slapped his hand to his forehead. “It has to be her. I’d trust my life with Anna, but I don’t really know Elizabeth all that well.”

  “If she has access to your calendar and all your correspondence then she’s probably the culprit. Do you think maybe we should change hotels? Or leave Chicago altogether?”

  “No one knows what hotel I booked. I did that personally from San Francisco. Anna knows she can reach me on my cellphone. Chicago is a big city, so finding us at this hotel might be difficult since I didn’t register under my own name.”

  Tess sashayed over to him. She straddled his lap in her robe, giving him a quick peek at her bare skin. She sat on his thighs and said, “So who did I have the pleasure of fucking last night if it wasn’t Max?” She stretched out her arms and place a hand on each side of his head, letting the front of her robe gape open, so he had a clear view of her breasts.

  “Ms. Medici, I’m William Johnson, and I enjoyed every inch of your body last night. Would you like me to show you how much I enjoyed it?”

  She giggled. “I can feel your excitement between my legs pressing against my wet cunt.”

  “Fuck, Tess, you’ve taken trash-talking lessons.” He grabbed her bottom and stood. “Where would you like me to ravage you?”

  “How about the dining room table?”

  “Oh baby, I love your style.” He carried her into the suite and placed her on the table, so her legs dangled over the edge. He yanked her robe open and bared all of her body to his gaze. With a grasp of her knees, he spread her legs and stepped between them.

  “Have I told you how much I enjoy your breasts?” He sucked on one nipple, pulled it into his mouth and rubbed it between his teeth. Tess held his head between her hands, loving the view of his mouth attached to her breast.